Papuan-born Officer's
p. 33 · Read in the full issue
Fine War Record
IP the achievements of Pacific Islands men, between 1939 and 1945, could be collected into one volume, it would make probably the most remarkable re cord of adventure connected with World War 11. Every day, some new story of courage and initiative comes to light.
Here is the story of Major Gordon Lett, who was born in Papua in 1910, the son of well-known Lewis Lett. He became a professional soldier in 1931, and served in the East Surrey Regiment, and on the North-West Frontier of India. He went to Egypt with the 4th Indian Division when World War II be gan, in 1939.
Gordon Lett, between 1939 and 1942, fought through the campaigns in Abys sinia, Somaliland, Eritrea, and Libya. He was wounded once, three times men tioned in despatches, and twice recom mended for a decoration. He was cap tured by the Italians when Tobruk fell, in June, 1942, and sent to Chieti.
Enemies did not find Gordon Lett a nice man to know. He was so thoroughly unpleasant at Chieti that the Italians labelled him “dangerous,” and sent him to PG29, under v a special guard. But he was there only a month.
Italy capitulated in September, 1943, and Major Lett was released. He made his way northwards, behind the German lines, and got into the mountains north east of Siena. Here he organised a force, of released POW’s and Italian partisans, assumed control over an area of country, and carried on guerilla warfare against German transport and communications.
Major Lett’s force, and the extent of his operations, grew steadily. He got into direct touch with London. The War Office sent him radio sets, and author ised him to carry on as commander of “No. 5 Special Force.” Growing ever bolder and stronger, he led his men into Siena, drove out the German garrison, and carried on as Governor until the Allied armies arrived. He then was ap pointed military governor of Pontemoli, and remained there until the end of the European war.
The citizens of Pontemoli formally gave him the Freedom of their city; and in October of this year he received the “Distinguished Service Order.